Understanding a Restraining Order

A restraining order is a court order intended to protect you from someone who has harmed you or has threatened to hurt you. Once it’s issued, the person who poses a threat must stop harassing you, stay away from you, and can’t show up to your home or place of work. They are categorized as a civil order, and they don’t show up on someone’s criminal record. 

If you’re a victim of abuse, for example, a judge can sign an order of protection that requires the abuser to obey court orders. These orders are specific, and outline what an abuser can and can’t do, such as the following:

• An abuser can be ordered to not have any contact with you, in person or by phone, at home, work, or almost any location you ask the judge to write down in the order. The contract can even be extended to protect your family. 
• A judge can order the abuser to leave the house or apartment you and the abuser share, even if it’s under the abuser’s name. 
• In most situations, the court will grant you custody of your minor children. In some states, a judge can order the abuser to pay child support and support for you. An abuser may be granted visitation rights to see the children under certain conditions. If the abuser has also threatened the children or you fear they’re at risk, let the judge know. 
• In some states, a judge can order the abuser to pay for costs that resulted from the abuse, such as medical and dental treatment, or moving expenses. They may also have to pay household bills that are due and any earnings you have lost. Moreover, they may have to pay for your attorney fees as well as damages to other people who helped you during this difficult time. 
• A judge may also order the abuser to attend professional domestic violence counseling or Alcoholics Anonymous. 
• A judge can order a police officer to protect you if you need to make physical contact with the abuser. 

Restraining Order Violations

If the abuser violates any portion of the restraining order, contact the police immediately. For instance, if the abuser attempts to contact you or shows up at your house, they have violated the contract. Violations of a court mandated contract are a crime known as contempt of a court order, and a police officer will sign a criminal complaint regarding the abuser. 

Contact The Ault Firm

Victims of domestic violence often feel lonely, as if they have no place to turn to for assistance, but you’re not alone. If you need to file a restraining order, you should work with a

 attorney who will defend you in court. Contact The Ault Firm today. 

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Define protection orders

Restraining orders are meant to stop the abuse rather than encourage it. If the abuser doesn’t respect these orders, he or she will face serious consequences. Both men and women can request a protection order, notwithstanding their background or social circumstances.

How these orders work?

Restraining orders can have a strong impact on reducing domestic abuse. Most abusers respect them. These orders can provide protection against physical abuse such as bodily injury, and sexual assault. They also protect children and other family members. Victims are also protected against false imprisonment, harassment, and stalking. So the alleged abuser can no longer continue this behaviour or he will face the legal consequences. Many studies show that abusers who hurt adults are more likely to abuse children as well.

Types of protection orders

There are a variety of protection orders, which can be permanent or temporary. It all depends on the circumstances and the reasons for the request. Permanent orders can last for over a year.

Other restrictions protection orders can provide

Protection orders can also include other restrictions. The alleged abuser may be told to move out of the house. Also, if children are exposed to danger, the alleged abuser may not be able to see the children until the order expires or the allegations have been disproved.

Dealing with false accusations

It is possible that some domestic violence allegations are not true and the protection order was just a way for a spouse to take advantage of the situation. Unfortunately, some people like to use this method in order to get what they want. The court will eventually feel sorry and may grant them their request, unless a good attorney is present to challenge false allegations and prove otherwise.

Why false accusations?

Couples argue and have differences. Things can get ugly, especially in cases involving infidelity. It is also possible to get the advantage of a family law case. Some important things such as child support, child custody and child visitation can be ordered and the alleged victim may get what he or she wants.

Seek legal assistance today

It is never too late to ask for help, especially when it is related to your family’s wellbeing. We can prepare your family law case and protect your interests. A protection order can have a positive impact on your family, especially your kids. They deserve better. Call us today and we’ll help you figure out what’s the best legal approach to your individual situation.

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A Utah man attempting to take child custody took his baby and fled in a vehicle. The 52-year-old was accused of domestic violence back in 1999 yet it seems these charges were dismissed. Unfortunately, the baby born back in November of this year has special needs and drug exposure.

The baby was found 2 hours after the amber alert had ceased but the police doesn’t want to provide information about how or where they found the baby. The police is still looking for Albert Phillips, the child’s father. Contact a Salt Lake City domestic violence attorney if you are a victim of this type of abuse, especially if you have minor children. Your children should not be exposed to such dangerous environment.

Utah ranks high in domestic violence incidents

Statistics show that domestic violence is increasing nationwide but particularly in Utah where, according to the Utah Department of Health, one woman is murdered every month. Intimate partner violence is on the rise in Utah and women as well as children are the ones most affected by it. Programs helping victims of domestic violence receive about 2,000 requests and it continues to increase every year.

Protection from abuse

If you want to find protection from domestic violence, it is important you hire an experienced Salt Lake City domestic violence attorney. You can request a protective order to keep the abuser away and your family safe. If the abuser violates the protective order, he or she can be arrested. Make sure this order is valid when traveling to other states.

Signs of domestic violence

While it is true relationships can go through hard times, physical, emotional or verbal violence is never an acceptable behavior. Violent behavior generally starts with threats, breaking things, and name-calling, and it can escalate to violent acts. It takes time for some victims to understand they don’t have to stay in an abusive relationship. Some people may choose to stay because they are too ashamed or perhaps lack the financial resources to claim their independence. But it doesn’t have to be that way. A Salt Lake City domestic violence attorney can take a closer look at your current circumstances and make sure you are legally protected and equipped with all the resources you need to start a new life.

Domestic violence can affect your health

Every year many women are injured in domestic violence situations. Being exposed to this type of atmosphere can cause various health problems such as panic attacks, depression, digestive problems, and PTSD.

Find help today

A violent relationship puts your family in a dangerous situation. Your children may be at risk for injury or even death. Dealing with an abusive person can be challenging as they tend to manipulate the situation to make you believe you are overreacting. To learn more about how you can claim your legal rights as a victim of domestic abuse, call us today and schedule your initial case review with family law attorney Christopher M. Ault.

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Domestic violence is becoming alarmingly prevalent in the State of Utah, higher than the national average. Studies have shown that one in three women will experience symptoms of domestic violence, more than the national statistic of one in four women. Even more concerning, 32% of homicides in Utah can be traced back to the infliction of domestic violence. It is a distressing trend that must end. And it starts with each person.  “Domestic violence” is not a trick word used in the legal community to refer only to the most serious of cases. Physical abuse is merely one of the many forms it may take. For instance, domestic violence can comprise of psychological abuse that has made you feel at any time unsafe with your partner or inadequate for any reason.

The tell-tale signs of domestic violence are endless. Maybe you know of a friend or relative who is suffering from the effects of an abusive relationship. The key to addressing this issue is to act upon these signs as soon as possible. Failing to do so can lead to disastrous consequences such as innocent children being caught in the crossfire and sadly even death.

Domestic violence is a crime in Utah. If you are looking to get out of an abusive marriage, it is critical to seek legal representation from a highly experienced Salt Lake City divorce attorney, with a track record of protecting the rights of domestic violence victims. You no longer have to wonder whether you are in a relationship tainted by emotional or physical abuse. A good family law attorney will take the time to help, and importantly listen. Domestic violence can be debilitating. But with help from an experienced domestic violence attorney in Salt Lake City, victims are placed in the best position to succeed.

Contact the Salt Lake City Domestic Violence Attorneys at Ault Firm Today

Domestic violence is a vicious cycle that leaves many physical and emotional scars. Do not allow the problem to continue. The first important step is to seek assistance from a legal professional. Attorney Christopher M. Ault brings years of experience in helping domestic violence victims move on and get their lives back on track. He can assess your unique situation carefully to explore legal solutions. If you feel that you may be a victim of domestic violence or that someone you know is affected by this, please contact the Salt Lake City legal team at the Ault Firm.  You are empowered with the ability to change you and your children’s lives for the better.

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Some of the most common attributes a potential batterer will exhibit include:

Jealousy – The abuser can sometimes equate jealousy with love and accuse the victim of flirting, and become jealous when he or she talks or spends time with others. The abuser may also call the victim several times a day asking about his or her whereabouts, check the car mileage, refuse letting the victim work, and even ask friends to spy on the victim.

Controlling personality

Perhaps the abuser tells the victim the controlling behavior it’s just concern for the victim making the victim think he or she is not capable of making sound decisions. This behavior can definitely get worst and the abuser may even control the victim’s finances and places he or she visits.

Isolation
The abuser may try to isolate the victim from any outside support or resources. The friends and family of the abuser are accused of being troublemakers and not wanting the best for the victim. Access to a vehicle, telephone or the internet may also be limited. This helps the abuser place the victim in a defenseless position where the victim is often blamed for everything happening to the abuser. Feelings are often used to manipulate the victim and keep him or her in this emotional incarceration

Verbal and physical abuse
The abuser may say some very cruel things to the victim putting down his or her accomplishments, cursing or degrading the victim. There may be threats of violence and justifying this aggressive behavior.

When someone you know is being abused

Perhaps someone you know is involved in an abusive relationship. Some signs to watch out for include:

• • Injuries and bruises that may have been caused by being thrown down, punching or choking. There may also be marks on the neck and sprained wrists.
  • Trying to hide bruises is very common for victims of domestic violence. They often use makeup or clothing but it’s obvious that the victim is in both emotional and physical pain. Victims generally make excuses such as being clumsy, being in the accident or come up with a hard-to-believe story.
  • Isolation from friends and family is one of the most typical signs of domestic abuse. The victim often has no money, a credit card, a car, or phone to contact his or her relatives.

If you or a loved one has become a victim of domestic violence perhaps it’s time you take immediate action and get an order of protection. Contact a Salt Lake City domestic violence attorney who can evaluate your situation and take legal action to protect you.

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